Method and apparatus for repositioning coating atomizer means



Feb. 28. 1956 E. M. RANSBURG ET AL 2,736,671

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPOSITIONING COATING ATOMIZER MEANS 3Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 19, 1952 I'INVENTOR. EDWIN M. RANSBURG EMERYP. MILLER fbcaww A/itZey 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. EDWIN M. RANSBURG BYEMERY P. MILLER iimw Allorney 28. 1956 E. M. RANSBURG ET AL METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FORREPOSITIONING COATING ATOMIZER MEANS Filed March 19, 1952HT n n fi r0; J1 l .l u w man A.mom I A Iii A "H W w :U|| l K ifi TL T"Eu QM IF 5m i A i A A A A A fi A 3 n n a n n H m H H h n m n m T 2K 5KIn 9R ANN mm; 9% 0; mo 3& zlxma UV Feb. 28. 1956 E. M. RANSBURG ET ALMETHOD AND APPARATUS FORREPOS'ITIONING COATING ATOMIZER MEANS FiledMarch 19, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. EDWIN M. RANSBURG EMERY P.MILLER United States Patent METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPOSITIONINGCOATING ATOMIZER MEANS Edwin M. Ransburg and Emery P. Miller,Indianapolis, End, assignors to Ransburg Electro-Coating' Corp acorporation of Indiana Application March 19, 1952, Serial No. 277,384 26Claims. (Cl. 117-93) This invention relates generally to methods andapparatus for coating of articles and it more particularly relates to amethod and apparatus for automatically positioning atomizing units inpredetermined positions relative to an article to be coated as requiredby the surface characteristics, configuration or other controllingpeculiarity of an individual article.

In accordance with one type of conventional practice there is providedapparatus for coating manufactured articles which comprises a conveyorin combination with stationary coating apparatus. In this type ofapparatus there is no functional cooperation between the coatingequipment and the articles on the conveyor, and therefore articleshaving different shapes cannot be satisfactorily coated withoutreorganizing and rearranging the apparatus.

Another conventional coating system comprises a conveyor, a coatingapparatus and control apparatus adapted to actuate the coating apparatusin response to the presence of an article on the conveyor, and todisable the coating apparatus when. no article is presented for acoating operation. In this system there is also no control of thecoating apparatus position which correlates the coating process with theshape of the article. Hence the coating apparatus must be preadjusted inorder to deposit a satisfactory coating on the particular type ofarticle which is being coated.

Another conventional coating system includes a conveyor and coatingapparatus adapted to be reciprocated with respect to the article forimproving the dissemination of the coating material. However, the motionof the coating apparatus is not correlated in any way with the size orshape of the article to be coated, and hence this equipment must bepre-set in accordance with the characteristics of the particular articlebeing coated.

In manufacturing enterprises where various articles of diiferent sizesand shapes are manufactured, it is desirable to apply coatings ofenamel, paints or other substances by means of a single coatingapparatus. If the articles are placed on a conveyor and if they are ofuniform size and shape the atomizing heads may be pro-adjusted withrespect to the article surface being coated whereby each article thatpasses the coating apparatus receives a uniform coating of material. Onthe other hand if articles of differing sizes and shapes are placed onthe conveyor it is necessary that the atomizing heads be movedautomatically with respect to the surfaces of the articles topredetermined positions such that each different article may receive auniform coating. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an apparatuswhich Will sense the nature of a particular article on the conveyor andpreadjust the atomizers of the coating apparatus into the appropriatepositions to satisfactorily coat that particular article. Where thecoating apparatus comprises electrostatic atomizing heads the spraypattern obtained therefrom as well as the degree of atomization of thecoating material is dependent on the position of the heads with respectto the article surface being coated.

2,736,671 Patented Feb. 28, 1956' In'this case particularly it isdesirable that the position of the atomizers be correlated with theshape and nature of the article on the conveyor if uniform coatings areto be obtained.

Accordingly the principal object of this invention is to provide a novelcoating apparatus for applying coating material to articles of differentsizes and shapes.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatusfor remotely controlling coating apparatus in such fashion that auniform coating may be applied to articles of different sizes andshapes.

Another object of this invention is to provide a coating apparatusadapted to cooperate with a conveyor for coating articles of varioussizes and shapes.

Another object of this invention is to provide, in a coating apparatusadapted to cooperate with a conveyor, an automatic'control apparatus formoving the coating apparatus in response to the sizes and shapes of thearticles presented for coating by the conveyor.

A further object of this invention is to provide an electrostaticcoating apparatus in which the position of the atomizers is correlatedwith the shape and nature of the articles on the conveyor.

Still another object of this invention is to provide, in anelectrostatic coating apparatus comprising a conveyor and a plurality ofatomizing heads, an automatic control apparatus responsive to the sizeand shape of an article for moving the atomizing heads toward or awayfrom the articles and for changing the angle of alignment of theatomizing heads with respect to the path of travel of the articles beingcoated.

A still further object of this invention is to provide, in anelectrostatic coating apparatus comprising a conveyor and groups ofatomizing heads, automatic control apparatus responsive to the size andshape of an article presented for coating for moving the groups ofatomizing heads toward or away from the article and for changing theangle of alignment of the groups of atomizing heads with respect to thepath of travel on the articles being coated.

A still further object of this invention is to provide, in anelectrostatic coating apparatus comprising groups of atomizing headsadapted to cooperate with a conveyor, automatic control apparatusadapted to move each group of atomizing heads to a predeterminedposition both with respect to distance and with respect to alignment ofthe heads with the path movement of articles of various sizes andshapes.

In accordance with this invention there is provided an article coatingsystem comprising an atomizing unit, an adjustable support for theatomizing unit whereby the spray pattern may be altered to effectuniform coating of articles of different sizes and shapes, and.electromotive means for controlling the adjustable support.

Further in accordance with this invention, there is provided a remotecontrol system for a plural position, automatically adjustable,electrostatic coating apparatus comprising a plurality of adjustingmotors, a circuit for driving the motors in either direction, andcontrol circuits for'actuating the drive circuit andadjusting thecoating apparatus for coating articles of different sizes and shapes.

Also, in accordance with this invention there is provided an articlecoating system comprising a conveyor, an adjustable supporting mechanismfor supporting a plurality of atomizing heads, motors cooperating withsaid adjustable mechanism for changing the position of said atomizingheads and electrical control means cooperating with said conveyor andsaid supporting mechanism for driving said motors and positioning saidatomizing heads in predetermined positions in response to the particularsize and shape of articles :to be coated on said conveyor.

In accordance with another feature of this invention there is providedan electrostatic coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of differentsizes and shapes as they are presented for coating on a conveyorcomprising a frame, a multiple-head atomizing unit adjustably mounted onsaid frame, means for moving said frame toward and away from a conveyorand a means for moving said multiple head atomizing unit to vary thealignment of said unit with respect to the path of movement of articleson said conveyor.

For a better understanding of the invention, together with other andfurther objects thereof, reference is made to the following description,taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and its scope willbe pointed out in the appended claims.

Fig. l of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating a portion of amonorail conveyor and an automatically adjustable multiple headatomizing unit adapted to cooperate with the conveyor.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view, partially in crosssection taken online 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the control circuit adapted tocooperate with the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a group of diagrams illustrating various operational positionsof the multiple head atomizing units shown in Fig. 1, each diagramexemplifying an operational position correlated to an article of aparticular size and shape.

Fig. 5 is an isometric view illustrating an electrostatic atomizing headadapted to be controlled by servo-motors.

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a control apparatus adapted to controlthe mechanism shown in Fig. 5.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates a conveyor in the form ofa monorail 10 having supports 11 extending downwardly therefrom forsupporting typical articles 12 and 12a which are in position to becoated.

For coating these articles there may be provided two triple headatomizing units, the upper one of which comprises the heads 14 and thelower one of which comprises the heads 16. The structure of theseatomizing units forms no part of this invention. The specific headsshown are adapted to run electrostatically and mechanically to transforma coating material into a spray of fine, charged particles. Thestructure of one such unit is completely disclosed and claimed in theco-pending application of James W. Juvinall, Serial No. 271,625, filedFebruary 14, 1952.

Atomizing heads 14, 16 include support housings 13 and respectivelywhich are adapted to house rotatable shafts on which the belled ends ofthe heads may rotate. The housings in turn may be mounted on orconnected to gether by means of electrically conducting tubes 17 whichin turn are supported at each end by insulating tubular members 18 and18a. Tubular members 17 and 18 house a rotatable shaft (not shown) whichconnects rotating gears within the housing 15 with a motor 19 which isadapated to spin the bells of the atomizing heads 14 and 16. This shaftmay include insulating portions at its ends whereby the atomizing heads14 and 16 are electrically insulated from the supporting apparatus. Theatomizing heads 14 and 16 can thus be raised to a high potential withrespect to ground by means of a suitable high voltage supply 26)connected through conductors 21 and 22. The other side of the highvoltage supply may be grounded as at 23 and the conveyor may be groundedas at 24 whereby there exists a high potential electro static fieldbetween the heads 14, 16 and the articles on the conveyor. For supplyingcoating material to the heads 14 and 16 there may be provided a source(not shown) connected to hoses 25 and 26.

By virtue of the rotation of heads 14 and 16 by motor 19 coatingmaterial flows around the internal surface of the heads, moving to thefront edge of t e heads Where it is removed in the form of finelyatomized particles and precipitated on the surface of the articles beingcoated.

For supporting the multiple head atomizing units there are provided twoupright threaded columns 27 and 2% mounted on base elements or trucks 22and 3d. The atomizing units or assemblies may be pivotally attached tocolumns 27 and 23 by swivel elements 31 whereby each end of the unit maybe elevated or lowered with respect to the other end thereof. in orderto provide for such pivotal movement the insulating element 18a maytelescope into swivel 31 and move with respect thereto. The uppermostatomizing unit may be moved into various positions on columns 27 and 28by means of a motor and screw assembly 31a mounted on coiumn 28 and asecond motor and screw assembly 32 mounted on column 27. Theseassemblies cooperate with the threads on the columns to move theatomizing units with respect thereto.

Assembly 31a (see Fig. 2) includes a motor 33 which is adapted to drivea nut 1M, threaded on the threads of column 28, through a gear 192 fixedto the nut and a gear 105 mounted on the shaft of motor 33 and meshingwith gear Hi2. Nut 161 and bearings 194 rotatably support a collar 1% towhich motor 33 may be attached. It should be noted that the swivelelement 31 may be mounted on collar 1%. Whenever motor 33 is energizedit will be clear that the nut 101 rotates on the threads of column 23thereby moving the collar 1% upwardly or downwardly depending upon thedirection of rotation of the motor 33.-

Assembly 32 which includes motor 34 is identical to assembly 31A andoperates to elevate and lower the other end of the upper atomizing unitin the same fashion as described above in connection with assembly 31A.

The lower atomizing unit, including heads 16, includes motor-nutassemblies 11% and 111 at its ends which operate to move the loweratomizing unit upwardly and downwardly on columns 27 and 28 in the samemanner as described above in connection with the upper assembly carryingheads 14. Motors 35 and 36 provide the power for this movement.

For providing movement of the bases 29 and 3%, base 29 may includewheels 37 adapted to ride on tracks 38. Base 3% may be mounted on wheels3% which cooperate with tracks 49. The two bases may be connected tomove in unison by means of rods 41 and 42 which carry at their centerportions a platform 43. A motor 44 may be mounted on the platform anddrive a gear 45 which meshes into a rack which may be anchored to thebase member. When motor 44 is energized gear will rotate with respect torack 46 whereby the two base members 29 and 3t may be moved backward andforward on tracks 38 and 40 respectively whereby to provide adjustmentof the atomizers toward or away from the surfaces being coated.

For automatically controlling the motors 33, 34, 35, 36 and 44 andmoving the units 14 and 16 either in a vertical plane or in a horizontaldirection there are provided switches 47, 48, 49 and 5t) which areattached to the monorail conveyor 11 at different levels as illustratedin Fig. 1. These switches may be actuated by stops such as 51 and 52which are attached at different levels to the article support 11. Theoperative relation between the stops 51, 52 and 53 and switches 47, 4-8,49 will be described in more detail in connection with the operation ofthe coating system. Another stop (not shown) associated with the hangerof another type article is arranged to contact switch 59.

Switches 47, 48, 4E and 5t, are utilized for initiating the operation ofmotors 33, 34, 35, 36 For stopping these motors there may be provided afirst set of limit switches 54 and 55 associated. with motor and asecond set of limit switches 56 and 57 associated with motor 33. Forcontrolling motor there may be provided a set of limit switches 53 and59 while for controlling rnotor as there may be provided a set of limitswitches 60 and 61; A set of switches 62 and 63 are provided to controlmotion of motor 44. Switches 54, 55, 58 and 59 may be mounted on anindexing guide 65 which may be fixed to the base or truck 29. Forsupporting the switches 56, 57, 60 and 61 there may be provided a secondindexing guide 66 mounted on base 30 adjacent to the path of motors 33and 36. Switches 62, 63 are mounted on indexing guide 67 adjacent pathof motor 44. Each of the switches 54, 55, 56, 57, 58,- 59, 60, 61, 62and 63 is adjustably mounted on the respective indexing guides and arearranged to have actuating elements which project outwardly into thepath of any desired portion of the motor casing with which theparticular switches are associated. By adjusting the positions ofswitches 54, 55, for example, it is possible to preset the upper andlowerlimits of movement of motor 34 and therewith the left hand end ofthe upper electrostatic atomizing unit. Similarly, the other switchesmay be adjusted to determine the upper and lower limits of movement ofthe ends of the other electrostatic atomizing unit. Thus generallyspeaking switches 47, 48, 49 and 50 initiate operation of motors 33, 34,35 and 36 while switches 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61 terminate theoperation of these motors. These switches are associated with a circuitas will be subsequently described for automatically positioning theelectrostatic .atomizing units in accordance with the size and shape ofarticles to be coated.

For controlling the electrical motors there are provided circuits suchas those illustrated in Fig. 3. For controlling each of the motors 33,34, 35, 36 and 44 there are provided motor energizing and reversingrelays 70, 71, 72, 73 and 74 respectively. It will'be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that the contacts of these relays are connected inconventional fashion to the motor windings whereby movement of the relayarmature in one direction drives the motor in one direction, whereasmovement of the relay armature in the opposite direction drives themotor in the opposite direction. The contacts of each of these relaysmay be connected to a power source and to the motors as indicated inFig. 3. The relays in their normal positions are biased to a centralposition where all of the contacts are open. Thus, when a relay isenergized in one direction or the other it operates to close a set ofmotor energizing contacts.

The relay 70 connected to motor 33, and its connections will bedescribed in detail, it being understood that each of the relays 71, 72,73 and 74 is similarly connected and operates in a similar manner torelay 70. Relay 70 includes a first winding 301, one end of which isconnected to a power line 303, the other end of which may be connectedby means of conductor 70B, relay operated switch 304, conductor 70A andnormally'closed motoroperated switch 56 to the other side 308 of thepower line. The switch 304 may be controlled by a relay winding 306connected at one end to power line 313 and at the other end through thecontacts of normally open, conveyor switch 47 back to the other side 315of the power line. Switch 47 is mounted on the monorail conveyor asillustrated in Fig. 1 whereby it may be actuated by the stop 51 toenergize relay winding 306, close contacts 304, energize relay winding301 and close the contacts of relay 70 so as to rotate motor 33 in aclockwise direction, for example. When relay 70 operates it closesholding circuit completed through contacts 316 and the contacts ofswitch 56. Thus, assuming that clockwise rotation of motor 33 movesassembly 31A upwardly, the rotation of motor 33 may continue until themotor casing impacts the operating arm of switch 56, thereby to open theswitch and de-energize winding 301 whereby relay 70 assumes its normalcentral position with all motor circuit contacts open whereby assembly31A stops at the desired position.

For operating motor '33 in a counter-clockwise direction, relay 70 isprovided with a coil ,302, connected at one end to the power line 309and at the other end to the power line 310 through conductor 70S,normally open contacts 311 of relay 312, conductor 70T and normallyclosed motor operated switch 57. Relay 312 is connected across the powerline 313, 315 through the contacts of normally open switch 48. Thus,when an article is presented on the conveyor which requires thatassembly 31A be lowered to its lowermost position the actuator 52 closesnormally open switch 48 thereby to energize relay 312 and close contacts311. Winding 302 being thus energized moves the armature of relay 70 toclose the contacts for energizing motor 33 to drive it in acounter-clockwise direction. The armature of relay 70 in so doing closescontacts 317 to establish a holding circuit for relay winding 302through the normally closed contacts of switch 57. Motor 33 then rotatesin the counter-clockwise direction lowering assembly 31A until such timeas the motor casing contacts the actuating arm of switch 5'7 whereuponthe contacts of that switch are opened to de-energizc winding 302 sothat the armature of relay 70 assumes its central disconnected positionand motor 33 becomes tie-energized. Relays 71, 72, 73 and 74 have theircoils which correspond to coil 301 of relay 70 connected in multiple torelay contacts 304 by the corresponding conductors (71C, 71D) (71E, 71F)(71G, 71H) and (711, 71]) respectively. Those coils of relays 71, 72, 73and 74 which correspond to coil 302 of relay '70 are similarly connectedin multiple to contacts 311 of relay 312 by conductors (71R, 71Q) (72F,72X) (73N, 73M) and (74L, 74K) respectively. Each coil correspondinglyhas associated with it a releasing switch 54, 55, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62 and63. Relay 71 including its winding, for example, functions in the samemanner as relay 70, except that it is under the control of the limitswitches 54 and 55. Therefore, when switch 47 is closed by actuator 51,motor 34 operates in a clockwise direction until such time as switch 55is opened. Similarly, when switch 48 is closed, motor 34 operates in acounter-clockwise direction until such time as switch 54 is opened. Itwill be obvious that motors 35, 36, and 44 also operate under thecontrol of switches 47 and 48 for starting these motors and under thecontrol of switches 58, 59, 60, 61, 62 and 63 for stopping these motors.With this connection it is evident that closing switch 47 energizesmotors to move the atomizers to their uppermost positions and the entirecoating assembly backward into contact with stop 63 and that energizingswitch 48 moves the atomizers to their lowermost position and theassembly forward against stop 62.

in operation it may be assumed that the atomizing heads 14 are to bepositioned in such a manner that paint or other coating material may besprayed evenly and in uniform thickness over the surface of arectangular product such, for example, as 12A. It may be foundexperimentally that the heads should be moved to the position indicatedin diagram C of Fig. 4 (that is all motors in their uppermost positionand the coating assembly retracted) in order to spray properly thearticle 12A. Accordingly, the actuator 51, associated with article 12A,may be set to a height corresponding to switch 47. Let it be furtherassumed also that the article 12 is a sheet of material as illustratedin Fig. 1. in such an event it may be found experimentally that it isdesirable to set the atomizing heads to the position illustrated indiagram B of Fig. 4 (that is all motors in their lowermost position andthe coating assembly forward). Therefore, the actuator 52 may be set toa height corresponding to that of switch 48. Having decided as to thedesired positions of the atomizers as shown in diagrams B and C, it isalso to be understood that the switches 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61,62 and 63 have been adjusted to the proper positions on the indexingcolumns 65, 66 and 67 thereby to establish the extreme limits ofmovement of the motors 33,, 34, 35, 36 and 44. With theseassumedpaintingposi- 7 tions and the circuit as shown in Fig. 3 then operation proceedsas follows.

When the conveyor 1h moves the product 12 to that point where actuator52 closes switch each of the motors 33, 34, 35, 36 and 44 is energizedby the relays 7t 7t, 72, 73 and 74 respectively until such time as theswitches 57, 54, 59', iii and 62 are opened thereby to stop the motorswith the atomizing heads positioned as illustrated in diagram B of Fig.4. If any of the limit switches are already open, the motor controlledby the circuit including such limit switch will not be energized.

After the product 12 has been moved beyond the atomizer heads 14 and lo,roduct 12A will have moved to such a position that the actuator 51 willcontact the arm of switch 47 whereupon relays 7h, 71, 72, 73 and 74become energized to reverse the motors 33, 35, 35 and 4 and move theatomizing units until such time as they assume the positions illustratedin diagram C of Fig. 4 whereupon the switches 56, 55, 58, 6t and 63 areall opened simultaneously to de'energize the relays and the motors.Thus, the atomizing units are in a position suitable for coating theproduct 12A.

Referring to Fig. 4 or the drawings, diagrams B and C illustrate thepositions which the atomizing units assume in response to the actuationof switches 47 and 43 which are connected to the motor control relays asalready described in Fig. 3. Diagrams A and D illustrate alternativepositions which the atomizing assemblies assume in response to actuatingswitches 49 and b which are attached to the conveyor as illustrated inFig. 1. Diagram E of Fig. 4 illustrates another alternative positionwhich the atomizers may assume. An actuating switch for these positionsis not shown. In order to actuate the atomizing units into the positionsillustrated in diagrams A and D of Fig. 4, switches 4) and and relays316 and 318), similar to relays 336 and 312 must be provided. Across thecontacts of these relays must be connected in multiple the appropriatecoil leads from the various relays 7t 71, '72, 73, '74-. it is merelynecessary to arrange the connections in such a manner that the motors33, 34-, 35 and 35 may rotate in the proper direction to move theatomizing units to their appropriate up or down position. For example,if Position A of Fig. 4 is to be preset by switch 49 then coil Sill ofrelay 7% (connections WW and 7&8), the corresponding coils of relays 7i(connections 71C and 71D), relay 72 (connections 72E and 72F) and thatcoil of relay 73 which corresponds to coil 302 of relay '79 (leads 73Nand 73M) are connected in multiple across the contacts of relay 316. ifthe assembly is to be forward against stop 62 when switch 59 is actuatedthen connections 74L and 74K should likewise be connected across thecontacts of relay 316. If switch 5% is to present the equipment in thearrangement shown in diagram D of Fig. 4, then motors 34 and 33 must bedown and motors 35 and as must be up. This condition will prevail ifconnections 727T, 7&5, 71 R, HQ, 72E, 72F and 73G, 73H are connected inmultiple across the contact of the relay 318 associated with the switch51). To anyone skilled in the art other connections for furtherpositions will be apparent. it is only necessary to add a relay such as3% and its corresponding switch such as 47 to the equipment and make theappropriate connections to the motor relays.

The operation of the electrical control system has been escribed inconnection with that type of system where switches 47, 48, 49 and Eliare mounted on a monorail conveyor for actuation by actuating memberssuch as 51 and 52 but it will be obvious to those skilled in the artthat switches such as 47, 48, 49 and 5% plus additional switches may bemounted on a control board for operation by an attendant. in this case,these switches may be normally open push buttons which can bemanipulated by the attendant as he observes the articles of varioustypes progressing along the conveyor. It is only necesa rsaeri sary thatthe attendant know the various positions of the atomizing assemblieswhich are required for each of the different types of articles beingcoated. Thus when an article of a particular type is presented forcoating the attendant can push the proper push button switch and movethe atomizing assemblies into that position which is known to provide auniform coating on the various surfaces of the particular article.

Fig. 5 of the drawings illustrates another embodiment of this inventionwhich comprises a single atomizing head 5%, mounted for movement in alldirections relative to the surface to be coated, and means whereby thismovement may be controlled from a remote station. A servomotor 501operates a pinion gear mesehing with a vertically disposed rack 502 formoving the head 500 upwardly and downwardly. Lateral motion of the headSaid in a plane parallel to the surface being coated is provided by aservo-motor 563 having a pinion gear meshing with a rack 5&4. Motor 503may be mounted on a base 506 which is in turn movably supported ontracks 5ll7 by the wheels 515 whereby base 506 may be driven on tracks567.

This entire assembly may be mounted so as to move in a directionperpendicular to the surface being coated. The servomotor 599 may bemounted on a strut 511 extending between the rails 507 and may beprovided with a pinion adapted to mesh with a rack 510. Rails 508 andrack 514) may be mounted on a suitable base whereby motor 509 drives theassembly, mounted on rails 5G7, toward or away from the article to becoated.

Fig. 6 of the drawings illustrates a control mechanism for driving theelectrostatic atomizing assembly illustrated in 5. The threeservo-motors 501, 54)?) and 509 shown in Fig. 5 be electricallyconnected in accordance with conventional practice to servo-indicators512, 5E3, and 51? respectively. The servo-indicators are mounted andarranged on a frame 521) in a manner corresponding to the mounting ofthe servo-motors illustrated in Fig. 5. Operating handle 521 may bemovably mounted on this frame for movement relative to a plane 522supported on the same frame. Plane 522 may comprise a surfacerepresentative of a surface to be coated. Servo-indicator 512 isarranged in operative relationship with handle 521 by means of a pinionand race to generate electrical control currents representative ofvertical movement of handle 521. Servo-indicator 513 may be mountd on atraveling base for movement in a horizontal plane and may be providedwith a pinion and rack whereby it generates electrical currentsrepresentative of the horizontal movement of handle 521. Servo-indicatcr51? may be connected structurally to handle 521 and cooperate with arack to generate electrical currents representative of movement ofhandle 52} toward and away from the plane 52-2. Thus, in accordance withwell known operation of servo-motor circuits the electrostatic atomizinghead Still may be caused to execute the identical motions imparted tothe handle 521 by an operator. Thus, an operator, situated at a pointremote from the articles to be coated, may move handle 521 throughwhatever motions may be necessary to apply a coating material to anarticle of a particular size and shape. By means of the servo-motormechanism the electrostatic head Elli) executes the same motions andaccomplishes the coating cperfiion under the complete and sole controlof an operator.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that this inventionprovides a control system for coating equipment which is adapted tocooperate with a conveyor for automatically positioning the atomizingapparatus so as to provide a uniform coating on articles oi": dilTerentsizes and shapes. The control system is also adapted to be manipulatedfrom a remote point by an operator, either by push-button control or bya servo-mechanism, for controlling an atomizing system in such a mannerthata uniform coating may be deposited on articles. of difierent sizesand shapes.

While there has been described two embodiments of my invention, it willbe obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the invention,and it is, therefore, aimed in the appended claims to cover all suchchanges and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope ofthe invention.

I claim:

1. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes comprising an atomizing unit, means for adjustably supportingsaid atomizing unit, said supporting means being adapted to adjustablymove. said atomizing unit to a plurality of different fixedpredetermined coating positions for coating articles of different sizes.and shapes, and electromotive means operably associated with saidadjustable supportingv means for moving said atomizing unit to saiddifferent fixed predetermined coating positions.

2. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes comprising an atomizing unit for creating a spray of atomizedcoating material, a conveyor for conveying a plurality of articles ofdifierent sizes and shapes successively into receptive relation withsaid spray, motive mechanism for moving said atomizing unit, and meansoperatively connected to said motive mechanism to move said unit. into afixed predetermined spatial relationship relative to one of saidarticles on said conveyor and to move said unit into a different fixedpredetermined spatial relationship relative to a following article wheresuch article is of different size and shape.

3. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes comprising: a plurality of atomizing units for creating sprays ofatomized coating material, a conveyor for conveying a plurality ofarticles of diiferent sizes and shapes successively into receptiverelation with said sprays, motive mechanism for moving saidatomizingunits and means operatively connected to said mechanismtoarrange said units into fixed predetermined positions with respect toone of said articles and to rearrange. said units into different fixedpredetermined positions with respect to a following article. where sucharticle is of a difierent size and shape.

4. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes comprising an atomizing unit, spatially adjustable supportingmeans. connected. to said atomizing unit, electromotive meansdrivinglyconnected to said supporting means, and an electrical control circuitconnected to said electromotive means andoperable to elfect adjustmentof said atomizing. unit relative to said articles into a plurality ofdifferent. fixed predetermined coating positions for successivelycoating articles of different sizes and shapes.

5. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articlesv of different sizes andshapes comprising a plurality of multiple headfatomizing units forcreating. sprays with adjustable patterns, separate verticallyadjustable supports. connected to the opposite ends of each of saidunits, motors. drivingly. connected to each of said supports for.independently elevating or lowering each end of each unit thereby toalter the spray patterns created thereby, and a control circuitconnected to said motors and including means operable to energize saidmotors for adjusting the spray patterns emitted by said units.

6. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of .diiferent sizes andshapes comprising a pair of spaced columns, a plurality of multiple headatomizing units for creating sprays with adjustable patterns, supportsconnected to the opposite ends ofeach of said units for adjustablyconnecting saidunits to and between saidcolumns, reversible motorsconnected to each of said supports. for independently, adjustably movingeach end of each unit thereby to alter the spray patterns createdthereby, and a control circuit connected to said motors and includingswitches 76 10 operable selectively to determine the direction ofrotation of said motors for adjusting the spray patterns emitted bysaid. units.

7. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes as they are moved on a conveyor, comprising spaced pairs of railsextending perpendicularly to the direction of travel of said conveyor; aframe including trucks mounted on said rails and a verticalscrewthreaded column mounted on. each truck, driving means including arack, pinion and motor drivingly connected together and operativelyconnected with said frame for moving said frame toward and away fromsaid conveyor; means comprising limit switches in the path of movementof said frame and coupled to said motor; a plurality of multiple headatomizer units, each unit being provided at its opposite ends withelevator nuts threaded on said columns and elevator motors drivinglyconnected to said nuts for rotating them on said columns to elevate andlower said units; and indexing means comprising posts mounted. onsaidtrucks adjacent said columns and limit switches electrically coupledwith said elevator motor and adjustably mounted on said posts in thepath of movement of eachv elevator. nut for stopping said elevatormotors and therewith vertical motion of the ends of said units atdifierent predetermined elevations.

8. An article coating system comprising a conveyor adapted to movearticles of various sizes and shapes and including suspension supportsfor said articles, a coating unit disposed adjacent the path of movementof said articles and comprising a plurality of atomizing heads,adjustable supports for movably supporting said atomizing heads andmotors operably connected to said adjustable supports for effectingadjustments thereof; motor starting switches electrically coupled tosaid motors and supported on said conveyor adjacent the path of movementof said suspension supports at different levels correlated to the sizeand shape of said articles, switch actuating memhers mounted on saidsuspension supports at different levels correlated to the size and shapeof said articles for operating said motor starting switches, and motorstopping switches electrically coupled to said motors and disposedadjacent said adjustable supports in the path of movement thereof forde-energizing said motors when said sup ports assume predeterminedpositions correlated to the size and shape of said articles.

9. An article coating system comprising a conveyor adapted to movearticles of various sizes and shapes and including. supports for saidarticles; a coating unit disposed adjacent the path of movement of saidarticles and comprising a plurality of atomizing heads, means includingadjustable supports for. movably supporting said atomizing heads, andmotors drivingly connected to said adjustable supports for etfectingadjustments thereof; motor starting switches electrically coupled tosaid motors and supported adjacent the path of movement of said articlesat different levels correlated to the size and shape of said articles,switch actuating members mounted on. said conveyor. at different levelscorrelated to the size and-shape of said articles for operating saidmotor starting switches, and motor stopping switches electricallycoupled to said motors and disposed in the path of movement thereof for.de-energizing said motors when said supports. assume predeterminedpositions correlated to the size and shape. of said articles.

10. An article coating system comprising a conveyor adapted to movearticlesof various sizes and shapes and including supports forsaidarticles; a coating unit disposed adjacent the path. of movement ofsaid articles and comprising a plurality of atomizing heads, meansincludingadjustable supports for movably supporting said heads, andmotor drivingly connected to said adjustable supports for effectingadjustments thereof; motor starting switches electrically coupled tosaid motors and supports adjacentthe path of'movement of said articles,the. location of said switches being correlated to the size and shape.

of said articles; switch actuating members mounted on said conveyor in alocation correlated to the size and shape of said articles for operatingsaid motor starting switches; and motor stopping switches electricallycoupled to said motors and mounted to be actuated by said supports fordeenergizing said motors when said supports assume predeterminedpositions correlated to the size and shape of said articles.

11. An article coating system comprising a conveyor adapted to movearticles of various sizes and shapes and including supports for saidarticles, a coating unit disposed adjacent the path of movement of saidarticles and comprising a plurality of atomizing heads, means includingadjustable supports for movably supporting said heads and motorsdrivingly connected to said adjustable supports for effectingadjustments thereof, motor starting switches electrically coupled tosaid motors and supported adjacent the path of movement of saidarticles, switch actuating members operatively associated with saidarticles for operating said motor starting switches, and motor stoppingswitches electrically coupled to said motors and mounted to be actuatedby said supports for deenergizing said motors when said supports assumepredetermined positions correlated to the size and shape of saidarticles.

12. A plural position, automatically adjustable, coating apparatushaving, in combination, means for producing a spray of coating material,a plurality of adjusting motors operatively associated with said sprayproducing means, motor control and reversing relays connected to saidmotors, each of said relays including a first coil and contactsoperative to connect a motor for rotation in one direction and a secondcoil and contacts operative to connect said motor for rotation in theopposite direction, a starting circuit coupled in parallel to said firstcoil of each relay and including a normally open switch representativeof an article to be coated of a particular type for energizing saidmotor and adjusting said spray producing means, and holding circuitsconnected to each of said first coils and including normally closedlimit switches for deenergizing said holding circuits and stopping saidmotors when said spray producing means is in a predetermined positionfor coating said article, a second starting circuit coupled in multipleto said second coil of each relay and including a second normally openswitch representative of a different article to be coated for energizingsaid motors and readjusting said spray producing means, and holdingcircuits connected to each of said second coils and including normallyclosed limit switches for de-energizing said holding circuits andstopping said motors when said spray producing means is in a secondpredetermined position for coating said different article.

13. A plural position, automatically adjustable, coating apparatushaving, in combination, means for producing a spray of coating material,a plurality of adjusting motors operatively associated with said sprayproducing means, motor control and reversing relays connected to saidmotors, each of said relays including a first coil and contactsoperative to connect a motor for rotation in one direction and a secondcoil and contacts operative to connect said motor for rotation in theopposite direction, a starting circuit coupled to said first coil ofeach relay and including a switch representative of an article to becoated of a particular type for energizing said motor and adjusting saidspray producing means, and limit switches coupled to said first coilsfor de-energizing said relays and stopping said motors when said sprayproducing means is in a predetermined position for coating said article,a second starting circuit coupled to said second coil of each relay andincluding a second switch representative of a different article to becoated for energizing said motors and readjusting said spray producingmeans, and

limit switches coupled to said second coils for de-energizing saidrelays and stopping said motors when said spray producing means is in asecond predetermined position for coating said different article.

14. A plural position, automatically adjustable, coating apparatushaving, in combination, means for producing a spray of coating material,a plurality of adjusting motors operatively associated with said sprayproducing means, motor control and reversing relays connected to saidmotors, each of said relays including contacts operative to connect amotor for rotation in one direction and contacts operative to connectsaid motor for rotation in the opposite direction, a starting circuitcoupled to each relay and including a switch representative of anarticle to be coated of a particular type for energizing said motor andadjusting said spray producing means, and a first set of limit switchescoupled to said relays for de-energizing themand stopping said motorswhen said spray producing means is in a predetermined position forcoating said article, a second starting circuit coupled to said relaysand including a second switch representative of a different article tobe coated for energizing said motors and readjusting said sprayproducing means, and a second set of limit switches coupled to saidrelays for de-energizing them and stopping said motors when said sprayproducing means is in a second predetermined position for coating saiddifierent article.

15. A plural position, automatically adjustable, coating apparatushaving, in combination, means for producing a spray of coating material,a plurality of adjusting motors operatively associated with said sprayproducing means, a motor control and reversing circuit connected to saidmotors and including a first set of contacts operative to connect eachmotor for rotation in one direction and a second set of contactsoperative to connect each motor for rotation in the opposite direction,a starting circuit coupled to said motor control and reversing circuitand including a switch representative of an article to be coated of aparticular type for effecting operation of said first set of contactsand energizing said motors in one direction for adjusting said sprayproducing means, and a first set of limit switches coupled to said motorcontrol circuit for de-energizing and stopping said motors when saidspray producing means is in a predetermined position for coating saidarticle, a second starting circuit coupled to said motor control andreversing circuit and including a second switch representative of adifferent article to be coated for eifecting operation of said secondset of contacts for energizing said motors in the opposite direction andreadjusting said spray producing means, and a second set of limitswitches coupled to said motor control circuit for de-energizing andstopping said motors when said spray producing means is in a secondpredetermined position for coating said different article.

16. A plural position, automatically adjustable, coating apparatushaving, in combination, means for producing a spray of coating material,a plurality of adjusting motors operatively associated with said sprayproducing means, a motor spray producing means, a motor energizingcircuit connected to said motors and operative to connect said motorsfor operation in either direction, a control circuit coupled to saidenergizing circuit and including a switch representative of an articleto be coated of a particular type for actuating said control circuit tooperate said motors in predetermined directions and adjusting said sprayproducing means for coating said article, a second control circuitcoupled to said energizing circuit and including a second switchrepresentative of a different article to be coated for actuating saidcontrol circuit to operate said motors in different predetermineddirections and readjusting said spray producing means for coating saiddiiferent article.

17. A coating apparatus controllable from a remote point to coat anarticle comprising an atomizing head, an adjustable vertical standardfor supporting said head, a first servo-motor mechanism for adjustingsaid standard, a base for supporting said standard, second and thirdservo-motor me hanisms for imparting lat ral and ng tudinal movement tosaid base, and remote control 8P- paratus coupled to said servo-motormechanisms comprising a remotely located handle, an adjustable verticalsupport for said handle, a servo-indicator mechanism connected to saidsupport and electrically coupled to said first servo-motor wherebyvertical movement of said handle is duplicated by said head, a base forcarrying said support and including mechanism for permitting lateral andlongitudinal movement of said support, and servoindicators coupled tosaid base and electrically connected to said second and thirdservo-motor mechanisms whereby lateral and longitudinal movement of saidhandle is duplicated by said head.

18. A coating apparatus controllable from a remote point to coat anarticle comprising an atomizing head, an adjustable vertical standardfor supporting said head, a first servo-motor mechanism for verticallyadjusting said standard, supporting means including a second servomotormechanism for imparting lateral movement to said standard, supportingmeans including a third servo-motor mechanism for imparting longitudinalmovement to said standard, and remote control apparatus coupled to saidservo-motor mechanisms comprising a remotely located handle, anadjustable vertical support for said handle, a servo-indicator mechanismconnected to said support and electrically coupled to said firstservo-motor whereby vertical movement of said handle is duplicated bysaid head, structure for carrying said support and including mechanismfor permitting lateral and longitudinal movement of said support, andservo-indicators coupled to said mechanism and electrically connected tosaid second and third servo-motor mechanisms whereby lateral andlongitudinal movement of said handle is duplicated by said head.

19. A coating apparatus controllable from a remote point to coat anarticle comprising an atomizing head, a standard for supporting saidhead, a universal mounting for said standard, a first servo-motormechanism for vertically adjusting said standard, second and thirdservomotor mechanisms for imparting lateral and longitudinal movement tosaid standard, and remote control apparatus coupled to said servo-motormechanisms comprising a remotely located handle, a universal mountingfor said handle, a servo-indicator mechanism responsive to verticalmotion of said mounting and electrically coupled to said firstservo-motor whereby vertical movement of said handle is duplicated bysaid head, and servo-indicators responsive to longitudinal and lateralmovement of said mounting and electrically connected to said second andthird servo-motor mechanisms whereby lateral and longitudinal movementof said handle is duplicated by said head.

20. A method of coating articles of different sizes and shapescomprising the steps of creating a plurality of fixed sprays of atomizedcoating material arranged to overlap each other, passing a plurality ofarticles of different size and shape into receptive relation with saidsprays, orienting said sprays in unison relative to articles of one sizeand shape to predetermined fixed positions to deposit a uniform coatingon last-mentioned articles, passing a second article having a differentsize and shape into receptive relation with said sprays, and as thesecond article approaches said receptive relation reorienting saidsprays in unison relative to said article to difierent fixedpredetermined positions to deposit a uniform coating on said secondarticle.

21. A method of coating articles of diiferent sizes and shapescomprising the steps of creating a fixed spray of atomized coatingmaterial, passing an article of a certain size and shape into receptiverelation with said spray, electromotively orienting said spray withrespect to sad article to a predetermined fixed coating position todeposit a uniform coating on said article, passing a second article of adifferent size and shape into receptive relation with 14 said spray, andelectromotively reorienting said spray with respect to said article to adifferent fixed predetermined coating position to deposit a unformcoating on said second article,

22. A method of coating articles of different sizes and shapescomprising the steps of creating a spray of atomized coating material,successvely conveying a plurality of articles of different sizes andshapes into receptive relation with said spray, and selectivelyorienting said spray into a different predetermined fixed spatialrelationship with each of said articles to deposit a uniform coating oneach alticle.

23. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes as they are moved on a conveyor; comprising spaced pairs of railsextending perpendicularly to the direction of travel of said conveyor; aframe including a pair of trucks, one mounted on each pair of saidrails, and a vertical column mounted on each truck; driving meansincluding a motor mounted on said frame for moving said frame toward andaway from said conveyor; indexing means comprising limit switches in thepath of movement of said frame and coupled to said motor; a plurality ofmultiple head atomizer units, each unit being provided at its oppositeends with elevator means and motors drivingly connected to said elevatormeans, said elevator means being movably mounted on said columns toelevate and lower said units; and means comprising limit switcheselectrically coupled wtih said elevator motors and adjustably mountedadjacent the path of movement of the corresponding elevator means forstopping said elevator means and therewith vertical motion of therespective ends of said units at predetermined elevations.

24. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes as they are moved on a conveyor; comprising a frame including apair of spaced vertical columns mounted for movement toward and awayfrom said conveyor; driving means including a motor mounted on saidframe for moving said frame toward and away from said conveyor; meanscomprising limit switches in the path of movement of said frame andcoupled to said motor; a plurality of atomizer head units, each unitbeing provided at its opposite ends with an elevator means and a motordrivingly connected to said elevator means, each of said elevator meansbeing movably mounted on one of said columns to elevate and lower saidunits; and means compising limit switches electrically coupled with saidelevator motors and adjustably mounted adjacent the path of movement ofthe corresponding elevator means for stopping said elevator means andtherewith vertical motion of the respective ends of said units atpredetermined elevations.

25. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes as they are moved on a conveyor; comprising a frame mounted formovement toward and away form said conveyor; driving means including afirst motor mounted on said frame for moving said frame toward and awayfrom said conveyor; an atomizer head unit including elevator means formovably connecting said unit to said frame and a second motor operablyconnected to said elevator means to elevate and lower said unit in aplane parallel to the path of conveyor movement; and means coupled withsaid motors for energizing and de-energizing said motors to move saidatomizing unit from one fixed predetermined coating position to another.

26. Coating apparatus adapted to coat articles of different sizes andshapes as they are moved on a conveyor, comprising a frame, an atomizerhead unit mounted on said frame for movement to different fixedpredetemined coating positions, means for elevating and lowering saidunit in a plane parallel to the path of conveyor movement to differentfixed predetermined coating positions, and means for initiating themovement of said atomizing unit from one fixed predetermined coatingposition to another.

(References on following page) References Ciied in the file of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS MacLaurin July 25, 1933 Johnson et al Apr.24, 1934 Wallace et al Apr. 2, 1940 King Nov. 11, 1941 Pattison Apr. 28,1942 Bower Sept. 15, 1942 1.6 Woodbury Mar. 6, 1945 Potthofi Jan. 6,1948 King May 11, 1948 Chappen Feb. 27, 1951 Ransburg July 3, 1951Paasche Aug. 21, 1951 Knowland et a1 Mar. 4, 1952

1. COATING APPARATUS ADAPTED TO COAT ARTICLES OF DIFFERENT SIZES ANDSHAPED COMPRISING AN ATOMIZING UNIT, MEANS FOR ADJUSTABLY SUPPORTINGSAID ATOMIZING UNIT, SAID SUPPORTING MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO ADJUSTABLYMOVE SAID ATOMIZING UNIT TO A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT FIXED PREDETERMINEDCOATING POSITIONS FOR COATING ARTICLES OF DIFFERENT